All the Hype That Money Can Buy
Encyclopedia
All the Hype That Money Can Buy, Five Iron Frenzy
's third full-length studio album, released April 25, 2000, on Five Minute Walk, under their SaraBellum imprint, with distribution from Warner Bros. Records
. It is musically their most diverse album, binding elements of salsa
, Calypso music
, and reggae
with ska
. Certain tracks also contain impressions of rockabilly, metal and arena rock. Guests appearing on the album include returning member Scott Kerr, Karl Perazzo of Santana
, Christian singer Randy Stonehill
, Justin McRoberts
, and The W's
members Bret Barker and Valentine Hellmam. The album contains typical fare for Five Iron, with both serious and humorous content throughout. Even the album's title is self-deprecating humor intended to foil the audience's expectations. In the title track the band reveals that "It's so wrong, so far from true. In secret, I'm just like you."
. In "Giants" Roper references Adam Smith
s' The Wealth of Nations
to continue his general attacks on big business
and Social Darwinism
. In "Hurricanes" the vocalist laments "...and I am a failure / defeated every time..." before bringing the focus back to hope in Christ. Roper commented to HM Magazine that it was "...probably the most depressing song you'll ever hear from us."
Roper also tackles issues within Christian culture
and the church, taking on homophobia
and hypocrisy
in "Fahrenheit." The song references Freddie Mercury
, the frontman of Queen
who eventually died of AIDS
, and the superhero Flash Gordon
, a reference to the fact that the score for the 1980's movie
of was composed and performed by Queen. Roper states that "everyone will readily admit that homosexuality
is a sin
, but not that homophobia is just as bad in God's eyes."
The following track is "Four-fifty-one", and when read with the previous track their names directly refer to Ray Bradbury
's book Fahrenheit 451
. The message in the latter track is about isolationism within Christian culture and lukewarm Christianity. Here Roper attacks commercial interests within Christianity such as the Christian music industry
, of which he told 7ball "For the most part it is meant to make [Christians] feel good and not at getting anyone saved." Speaking directly to those interests Roper states "The radio is preaching the candy coated goo, / the record companies and the TV too. / No one rocks the boat, / terrified of trouble, / can't tamper with the walls of their sterile Christian bubble. / It was never your point to get people saved, / you pad yourself with fluff just because you're afraid. / I'm not afraid to point the finger now, / the choir's so used to the preaching anyhow."
On the more upbeat side, the album opens with "The Greatest Story Ever Told" which boldly proclaims the message of Christ and closes with the worshipful "World Without End." The album also contains examples of Five Irons' humor and irony. "You Probably Shouldn't Move Here" is an offbeat pokes fun at the band's home state of Colorado
and at California
. "The Phantom Mullet" is a satirical look at the hairdo popular in the 1980s
. "It's Not Unusual" is a cover of the singer Tom Jones
. A short track entitled "What's Up" was hidden in the 3-second 'header' at the beginning of the album. To find this track, the listener had to start Track 1, then hold the rewind button. On the album's back cover, the track was listed as 'Track 0'.
Additional musicians
Production
Five Iron Frenzy
Five Iron Frenzy is a Christian ska band formed in Denver, Colorado in 1995 and disbanded in 2003. The band announced they were recording new material on November 22, 2011....
's third full-length studio album, released April 25, 2000, on Five Minute Walk, under their SaraBellum imprint, with distribution from Warner Bros. Records
Warner Bros. Records
Warner Bros. Records Inc. is an American record label. It was the foundation label of the present-day Warner Music Group, and now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of that corporation. It maintains a close relationship with its former parent, Warner Bros. Pictures, although the two companies...
. It is musically their most diverse album, binding elements of salsa
Salsa music
Salsa music is a genre of music, generally defined as a modern style of playing Cuban Son, Son Montuno, and Guaracha with touches from other genres of music...
, Calypso music
Calypso music
Calypso is a style of Afro-Caribbean music that originated in Trinidad and Tobago from African and European roots. The roots of the genre lay in the arrival of enslaved Africans, who, not being allowed to speak with each other, communicated through song...
, and reggae
Reggae
Reggae is a music genre first developed in Jamaica in the late 1960s. While sometimes used in a broader sense to refer to most types of Jamaican music, the term reggae more properly denotes a particular music style that originated following on the development of ska and rocksteady.Reggae is based...
with ska
Ska
Ska |Jamaican]] ) is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1950s, and was the precursor to rocksteady and reggae. Ska combined elements of Caribbean mento and calypso with American jazz and rhythm and blues...
. Certain tracks also contain impressions of rockabilly, metal and arena rock. Guests appearing on the album include returning member Scott Kerr, Karl Perazzo of Santana
Santana (band)
Santana is a rock band based around guitarist Carlos Santana and founded in the late 1960s. It first came to public attention after their performing the song "Soul Sacrifice" at the Woodstock Festival in 1969, when their Latin rock provided a contrast to other acts on the bill...
, Christian singer Randy Stonehill
Randy Stonehill
Randall Evan "Randy" Stonehill is an American singer-songwriter from Stockton, California, best known as one of the so-called "fathers of contemporary Christian music". His music is primarily folk rock in the style of James Taylor, but he has assayed other styles, with various albums focused on...
, Justin McRoberts
Justin McRoberts
Justin McRoberts is an independent singer-songwriter from the San Francisco Bay area. McRoberts released two albums with 5 Minute Walk before the label disbanded in 2001. Since then he has independently released four studio albums, a live album, and five EP's...
, and The W's
The W's
The W's were a Christian ska/swing band, formed in Corvallis, Oregon in 1996. Success came quickly to the band and their first album, Fourth from the Last, was a sleeper hit unexpectedly having had the strongest debut of any Christian album to date for its distributor. They toured the United...
members Bret Barker and Valentine Hellmam. The album contains typical fare for Five Iron, with both serious and humorous content throughout. Even the album's title is self-deprecating humor intended to foil the audience's expectations. In the title track the band reveals that "It's so wrong, so far from true. In secret, I'm just like you."
Lyrical content
The album contains Five Irons' signature mix of serious and silly content, though it leans toward heavier issues more than previous albums. On the serious side is "A New Hope" - written in response to the Columbine High School massacreColumbine High School massacre
The Columbine High School massacre occurred on Tuesday, April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School in Columbine, an unincorporated area of Jefferson County, Colorado, United States, near Denver and Littleton. Two senior students, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, embarked on a massacre, killing 12...
. In "Giants" Roper references Adam Smith
Adam Smith
Adam Smith was a Scottish social philosopher and a pioneer of political economy. One of the key figures of the Scottish Enlightenment, Smith is the author of The Theory of Moral Sentiments and An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations...
s' The Wealth of Nations
The Wealth of Nations
An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, generally referred to by its shortened title The Wealth of Nations, is the magnum opus of the Scottish economist and moral philosopher Adam Smith...
to continue his general attacks on big business
Big Business
Big business is a term used to describe large corporations, in either an individual or collective sense. The term first came into use in a symbolic sense subsequent to the American Civil War, particularly after 1880, in connection with the combination movement that began in American business at...
and Social Darwinism
Social Darwinism
Social Darwinism is a term commonly used for theories of society that emerged in England and the United States in the 1870s, seeking to apply the principles of Darwinian evolution to sociology and politics...
. In "Hurricanes" the vocalist laments "...and I am a failure / defeated every time..." before bringing the focus back to hope in Christ. Roper commented to HM Magazine that it was "...probably the most depressing song you'll ever hear from us."
Roper also tackles issues within Christian culture
Christian pop culture
Christian pop culture , is the vernacular Christian culture that prevails in any given society. The content of popular culture is determined by the daily interactions, needs and desires, and cultural 'movements' that make up everyday lives of Christians...
and the church, taking on homophobia
Homophobia
Homophobia is a term used to refer to a range of negative attitudes and feelings towards lesbian, gay and in some cases bisexual, transgender people and behavior, although these are usually covered under other terms such as biphobia and transphobia. Definitions refer to irrational fear, with the...
and hypocrisy
Hypocrisy
Hypocrisy is the state of pretending to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that one does not actually have. Hypocrisy involves the deception of others and is thus a kind of lie....
in "Fahrenheit." The song references Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury was a British musician, singer and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Queen. As a performer, he was known for his flamboyant stage persona and powerful vocals over a four-octave range...
, the frontman of Queen
Queen (band)
Queen are a British rock band formed in London in 1971, originally consisting of Freddie Mercury , Brian May , John Deacon , and Roger Taylor...
who eventually died of AIDS
AIDS
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a disease of the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus...
, and the superhero Flash Gordon
Flash Gordon
Flash Gordon is the hero of a science fiction adventure comic strip originally drawn by Alex Raymond. First published January 7, 1934, the strip was inspired by and created to compete with the already established Buck Rogers adventure strip. Also inspired by these series were comics such as Dash...
, a reference to the fact that the score for the 1980's movie
Flash Gordon (film)
Flash Gordon is a 1980 British/American science fiction film, based on the comic strip of the same name created by Alex Raymond. The film was directed by Mike Hodges and produced and presented by Dino De Laurentiis. It stars Sam J. Jones, Melody Anderson, Topol, Max von Sydow, Timothy Dalton, Brian...
of was composed and performed by Queen. Roper states that "everyone will readily admit that homosexuality
Homosexuality
Homosexuality is romantic or sexual attraction or behavior between members of the same sex or gender. As a sexual orientation, homosexuality refers to "an enduring pattern of or disposition to experience sexual, affectional, or romantic attractions" primarily or exclusively to people of the same...
is a sin
Christian views of sin
Christian views on sin are mostly understood as legal infraction or contract violation, and so salvation tends to be viewed in legal terms, similar to Jewish thinking, see also Judaism and Christianity#Sin.-Etymology:...
, but not that homophobia is just as bad in God's eyes."
The following track is "Four-fifty-one", and when read with the previous track their names directly refer to Ray Bradbury
Ray Bradbury
Ray Douglas Bradbury is an American fantasy, horror, science fiction, and mystery writer. Best known for his dystopian novel Fahrenheit 451 and for the science fiction stories gathered together as The Martian Chronicles and The Illustrated Man , Bradbury is one of the most celebrated among 20th...
's book Fahrenheit 451
Fahrenheit 451
Fahrenheit 451 is a 1953 dystopian novel by Ray Bradbury. The novel presents a future American society where reading is outlawed and firemen start fires to burn books...
. The message in the latter track is about isolationism within Christian culture and lukewarm Christianity. Here Roper attacks commercial interests within Christianity such as the Christian music industry
Christian music industry
The Christian music industry is a small part of the larger music industry, that focuses on traditional Gospel music, Southern Gospel music, Contemporary Christian music, and alternative Christian music. It is sometimes called the gospel music industry, although this designation is not a limitation...
, of which he told 7ball "For the most part it is meant to make [Christians] feel good and not at getting anyone saved." Speaking directly to those interests Roper states "The radio is preaching the candy coated goo, / the record companies and the TV too. / No one rocks the boat, / terrified of trouble, / can't tamper with the walls of their sterile Christian bubble. / It was never your point to get people saved, / you pad yourself with fluff just because you're afraid. / I'm not afraid to point the finger now, / the choir's so used to the preaching anyhow."
On the more upbeat side, the album opens with "The Greatest Story Ever Told" which boldly proclaims the message of Christ and closes with the worshipful "World Without End." The album also contains examples of Five Irons' humor and irony. "You Probably Shouldn't Move Here" is an offbeat pokes fun at the band's home state of Colorado
Colorado
Colorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
and at California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. "The Phantom Mullet" is a satirical look at the hairdo popular in the 1980s
Mullet (haircut)
The mullet is a hairstyle that is short at the front and sides, and long in the back. . The mullet began to appear in popular media in the 1960s and 1970s but did not become generally well-known until the early 1980s...
. "It's Not Unusual" is a cover of the singer Tom Jones
Tom Jones (singer)
Sir Thomas John Woodward, OBE , known by his stage name Tom Jones, is a Welsh singer.Since the mid 1960s, Jones has sung many styles of popular music – pop, rock, R&B, show tunes, country, dance, techno, soul and gospel – and sold over 100 million records...
. A short track entitled "What's Up" was hidden in the 3-second 'header' at the beginning of the album. To find this track, the listener had to start Track 1, then hold the rewind button. On the album's back cover, the track was listed as 'Track 0'.
Track listing
- "The Greatest Story Ever Told"
- "Me Oh My"
- "Solidarity"
- "The Phantom Mullet"
- "Ugly Day"
- "Fahrenheit"
- "Four-fifty-one"
- "You Probably Shouldn't Move Here"
- "Hurricanes"
- "Giants"
- "I Still Like Larry"
- "All the Hype"
- "It's Not UnusualIt's Not Unusual"It's Not Unusual" is a song written by Les Reed and Gordon Mills, first recorded by a then-unknown Tom Jones after having first been offered to Sandie Shaw. Jones recorded what was intended to be a demo for Shaw, but when she heard it she was so impressed with Jones' delivery that she declined the...
" - "A New Hope"
- "World Without End"
Charts
Album - Billboard (North America)| Year | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | The Billboard 200 | 146 |
Credits
- Reese RoperReese RoperMichael Reese Roper is an independent filmmaker and the former lead singer and chief song writer of the third-wave ska band Five Iron Frenzy. After Five Iron Frenzy disbanded in 2003, Reese released a single album using the moniker Roper. He is also part of the band Brave Saint Saturn, who released...
- Lead Vocals, Yodeling - Micah OrtegaMicah OrtegaMicah Ortega is best known as a guitarist for Five Iron Frenzy. He was born on May 31, 1976 in Greeley, Colorado and is a graduate of Heritage High School in Littleton, Colorado...
- Lead Guitar, Background Vocals, Guitar solo on "The Phantom Mullet", additional Bass on "Giants", "Scratches, Cuts, and Abrasions, Sonic Booms" on "All The Hype" - Sonnie Johnston - Guitar
- Keith HoerigKeith HoerigKeith Hoerig is best known as the bass guitarist for Five Iron Frenzy and Brave Saint Saturn. He later assisted former band-mate Reese Roper with booking his new band, Roper....
- Bass - Andrew VerdecchioAndrew VerdecchioAndrew Dean Verdecchio or Andy Verdecchio is best known as the drummer of Christian band Five Iron Frenzy. Chaka was the stage name he had at that time. He also has played with Brave Saint Saturn and Yellow Second...
- Drums - Nathanael "Brad" Dunham - Trumpet, Rasta vocals on "Solidarity", "Four-Fifty-One"
- Dennis CulpDennis CulpDennis Culp is an American trombonist and singer/songwriter best known for his work with the bands Brave Saint Saturn and the now defunct Five Iron Frenzy. He currently resides in New Jersey with his wife Melinda, and has released one solo album, Ascents, under the name Dennis Bayne...
- Trombone, Vocals, Synth Moog on "The Greatest Story Ever Told", Bells on "World Without End" - Leanor OrtegaLeanor OrtegaLeanor Ortega Till is best known as the saxophonist for Five Iron Frenzy. Once more commonly known as Jeff the Girl, she was the sole female during the band's tenure...
"Jeff the Girl" - Saxophone, Vocals
Additional musicians
- Karl Perazzo - Percussion on "Four-Fifty-One", "Giants"
- Randy StonehillRandy StonehillRandall Evan "Randy" Stonehill is an American singer-songwriter from Stockton, California, best known as one of the so-called "fathers of contemporary Christian music". His music is primarily folk rock in the style of James Taylor, but he has assayed other styles, with various albums focused on...
- Guest Vocals - Justin McRobertsJustin McRobertsJustin McRoberts is an independent singer-songwriter from the San Francisco Bay area. McRoberts released two albums with 5 Minute Walk before the label disbanded in 2001. Since then he has independently released four studio albums, a live album, and five EP's...
- Guest vocals on "The Phantom Mullet", Guest Rhymes on "All The Hype" - Kelly, Mary, and Melinda - Guest vocals on "The Phantom Mullet"
- Jeff Campitelli - Percussion on "Fahrenheit", "A New Hope"
- Gary Minadeo - Percussion on "You Probably Shouldn't Move Here"
- Big Lou the Accordion Princess - Accordion on "You Probably Shouldn't Move Here"
- Scott KerrScott KerrScott Anthony Kerr is an English footballer who plays for York City as a midfielder.-Early career:Born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, Kerr started his career in the youth system at Bradford City as a trainee before signing a professional contract on 4 July 2000...
- Guest vocals on "You Probably Shouldn't Move Here" - Bret Barker - Guest vocals on "You Probably Shouldn't Move Here", Second Trumpet on "Giants"
- Valentine Hellman - Guest vocals on "You Probably Shouldn't Move Here"
- Mike Busbee - Piano on "Giants"
- Ashley Watkins - Little Girl on "Giants"
- Shelter - Guest vocals on "World Without End"
- Krista Nass - Bells on "World Without End"
Production
- Spanish Tutor - Liana Tate
- Produced by Masaki and FIF
- Executive Produced by Frank Tate
- Mastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound NY
- Art direction and Layout by Aaron James
- Photography by Melinda DiMauro